Iron deficiency anemia overview: Difference between revisions
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'''Iron deficiency anemia''' is caused by lack of [[iron]] in the bloodstream, and the most common cause of [[microcytic anemia]]. | '''Iron deficiency anemia''' is caused by lack of [[iron]] in the bloodstream, and the most common cause of [[microcytic anemia]]. | ||
Iron deficiency anemia occurs in the setting of blood loss, insufficient dietary intake or poor oral absorption of [[iron]] from food. Consequently, hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed, leading to a decrease in the number of [[red blood cells]] in the bloodstream. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and pallor. In severe cases, [[pica]] can develop. | Iron deficiency anemia occurs in the setting of blood loss, insufficient dietary intake or poor oral absorption of [[iron]] from food. Consequently, hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed, leading to a decrease in the number of [[red blood cells]] in the bloodstream. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and pallor. In severe cases, [[pica]] can develop. 20% of all women of childbearing age have iron deficiency anemia, compared with only 2% of adult men. The principal cause of iron deficiency anemia in premenopausal women is blood lost during [[menstruation|menses]]. | ||
Iron deficiency anemia is the final stage of [[iron deficiency (medicine)|iron deficiency]]. When the body has sufficient iron to meet its needs (functional iron), the remainder is stored for later use in the [[bone marrow]], [[liver]], and [[spleen]]. Iron deficiency ranges from iron depletion, which yields little physiological damage, to iron deficiency anemia, which can affect the function of numerous [[organ system]]s. Iron depletion causes the amount of stored iron to be reduced, but has no effect on the functional iron. However, a person with no stored iron has no reserves to use if the body requires more iron. In essence, the amount of iron absorbed by the body is not adequate for growth and development or to replace the amount lost. | Iron deficiency anemia is the final stage of [[iron deficiency (medicine)|iron deficiency]]. When the body has sufficient iron to meet its needs (functional iron), the remainder is stored for later use in the [[bone marrow]], [[liver]], and [[spleen]]. Iron deficiency ranges from iron depletion, which yields little physiological damage, to iron deficiency anemia, which can affect the function of numerous [[organ system]]s. Iron depletion causes the amount of stored iron to be reduced, but has no effect on the functional iron. However, a person with no stored iron has no reserves to use if the body requires more iron. In essence, the amount of iron absorbed by the body is not adequate for growth and development or to replace the amount lost. | ||
==Historical Perspective== | ==Historical Perspective== | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
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==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
==Screening== | == Screening == | ||
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis== | ==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis== | ||
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===History and Symptoms=== | ===History and Symptoms=== | ||
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===Physical Examination=== | ===Physical Examination=== | ||
===Laboratory Findings=== | ===Laboratory Findings=== | ||
===Imaging Findings=== | ===Imaging Findings=== | ||
===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | ===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | ||
Revision as of 19:43, 18 September 2018
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by lack of iron in the bloodstream, and the most common cause of microcytic anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs in the setting of blood loss, insufficient dietary intake or poor oral absorption of iron from food. Consequently, hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and pallor. In severe cases, pica can develop. 20% of all women of childbearing age have iron deficiency anemia, compared with only 2% of adult men. The principal cause of iron deficiency anemia in premenopausal women is blood lost during menses.
Iron deficiency anemia is the final stage of iron deficiency. When the body has sufficient iron to meet its needs (functional iron), the remainder is stored for later use in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. Iron deficiency ranges from iron depletion, which yields little physiological damage, to iron deficiency anemia, which can affect the function of numerous organ systems. Iron depletion causes the amount of stored iron to be reduced, but has no effect on the functional iron. However, a person with no stored iron has no reserves to use if the body requires more iron. In essence, the amount of iron absorbed by the body is not adequate for growth and development or to replace the amount lost.
Historical Perspective
Classification
.
Pathophysiology
Causes
Iron deficiency anemia causes can be broadly divided into physiological causes as that seen during growth and pregnancy and due to pathological process. The pathological process could be further divided based on blood loss and inadequate iron absorption.
Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia from other Diseases
Iron deficiency anemia and Thalassemia Minor present with many of the same lab results. It is very important not to treat a patient with Thalassemia with an iron supplement as this can lead to hemochromatosis (accumulation of iron in the liver) A hemoglobin electrophoresis would provide useful evidence in distinguishing these two conditions, along with iron studies.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria
History and Symptoms
.